Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 124923 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124923 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
I stifle an eye roll. Barely. “Shayne invited—”
“Yeah, yeah,” he cuts me off. “I know. You’re not here for me. Keep telling yourself that.”
“All these people,” I say, gesturing to the crowded backyard with my untouched cup of beer, “and yet, you still choose to fuck with me.”
“I’d love to fuck—”
I slap a hand over his mouth, realizing too late that I set myself up for that one. “Moving on,” I say, not so subtly changing the subject.
“Have you seen my cousin around?” Holden asks, scanning the yard.
“I have not. Aren’t you two supposed to be on security detail?” After the whole firebomb incident at Shayne’s house, they’ve been on high alert. Honestly, even I’ve been a little spooked, and I’m not one for dramatics. Not that I’ll admit it.
“Thayer’s with her.”
“Per usual.”
“You gonna tell her about your boyfriend?”
I narrow my eyes in warning. “Not yet.”
“And why’s that? Because you’re thinking about taking him back?”
“For one thing, that’s none of your business. It’s also not a big deal, and Shayne has enough on her plate right now. You have enough on your plate right now.”
He lifts a shoulder, looking me up and down. “I could handle a little more.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re relentless.”
“Only when it comes to you.”
“Only because I’m the only one who will tell you no.”
“Is that what you think?”
“It’s not exactly rocket science. You want what you can’t have. You like the chase.”
“So it’s a game then? What, you want me to chase you? Is that what this is?”
“No. I’m just…not interested.”
“See, that might be more believable if it wasn’t for—”
“Is this why you’re not answering my calls?” Liam’s voice cuts through the air before Holden can finish his sentence. I’d be happy for the interruption if it were anyone, and I mean any-fucking-one other than my ex-boyfriend. By the look on his face, the ex part seems to be lost on him.
“What are you doing here?” I don’t bother answering his question.
Liam opens his mouth to speak when something else occurs to me.
“Scratch that. How did you even know I was here?”
“I still have your location,” he explains, holding up his phone. Sure enough, a little blue dot blinks on the map, giving me away.
“I never gave you my location.”
“Answer the question, Valen.” A hush falls over the crowded yard, and I know without looking that we’ve gained an audience. Once again.
“You should go,” I say, my voice low but firm. Red-rimmed eyes bore into mine as Liam takes a step toward me. I feel Holden closing in behind me, and I know I need to get Liam out of here soon if I want to avoid an even bigger scene than he’s currently causing.
“Answer the question,” he says again.
“I don’t owe you anything. Go home, Liam.”
“Are you fucking him?” he bellows, jabbing a finger over my shoulder, pointing at Holden.
“On that note,” Holden quips, “I think it’s time we wrap up this week’s episode of Days of Our Lives. Time to go, Leonard.”
“I’m not leaving without her.”
I fold my arms over my chest and sigh. It’s funny how he practically forgot I existed these past couple of weeks, but now he’s here playing the part of a jilted lover.
“Come on. I’ll even throw a to-go drink in as a special favor. I’m sure one of the girls has an extra White Claw. Are you a fan of the Claw? You look like a White Claw guy.” Holden’s smart-ass response garners laughs from the people who are no longer pretending to mind their own business.
Jesus, Holden, shut up. I don’t doubt his strength, but I do know that the rowing team has kept Liam in top shape, and if I don’t diffuse this situation fast, someone’s going to get hurt.
Liam’s hands fist at his sides and I see his jaw tighten, but his eyes stay focused on mine. “You didn’t leave me much of a choice. I’ve been trying to apologize for weeks. Meanwhile, you’ve been, what? Ignoring me because you got some high school dick? I didn’t take you for a slut.”
Shock renders me momentarily speechless. Never once have I heard something so vile from him. I open my mouth to tell him to fuck off, but before I can get the words out, I see Holden’s fist fly toward his face out of the corner of my eye. Liam doesn’t even see it coming. One second he’s glaring at me, the next he’s laid out on the ground, holding his nose.
I slap my hands over my mouth as blood spills between his fingers.
“You motherfucker,” Liam says, holding his hand out in front of his face with a perplexed look, as if he can’t believe Holden had the audacity to make him bleed.
Holden advances toward him, throwing his arms out wide. “By the way, I fucked your girlfriend!”